I decided to head up to the northern tip of Qatar and patrol the coastline to see what I could find.

Osprey. I sat and observed this bird for some time as it patrolled up and down the coast trying to catch fish. I saw it dive bomb three times into the sea but without success. After each dive it would find a perch and ruffle up its feathers to dry them out. After a short while it would start its patrol once more.

Osprey patrolling the coastline

Drying out its feathers after an unsuccessful dive-bombing attempt

A Whimbrel .This solitary bird was working its way along the rocky coastline feeding

Common Redshank wading in the shallows

Socotra Cormorant. An immature bird, still with extensive pale markings, busy fishing along the coastline

After a spot of fishing it clambered onto this rocky outcrop to dry out.

Socotra Cormorant. An older bird with less of the pale markings. I presume these are both first year birds